Rise Above The Flood are all volunteers who are working with community groups to make sure that monies raised will go directly to the community and not to administration of a national body.

Bluesfest Director Peter Noble OAM comments on the generous donation.
"As you are entering the gates you will see volunteers collecting for those impacted by the recent flooding in our region," he said.

"Being here at the festival it's easy to think everything is fine. The truth is, it isn't. There has been perhaps one billion dollars in damages to homes and property with many people unable to pay expensive insurance premiums. Saddest of all is that people have lost their lives. It's not hard to give a little, it will mean a lot.

Patricia Lee 'Patti' Smith is a singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist who became an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses.

Smith performed that same album last Thursday during the first day of Bluesfest 2017 to adoring fans.

The Byron Bay shows were part of her last ever Australian tour.

You can find Rise Above The Flood here on facebook and you can contact their organiser Ilona Harker via 0402 637 739 or ilona@ilonaharker.com.